Negotiating with terrorists

Tue, 06/03/2014 - 11:42amCal Thomas

Euphoria over the Taliban’s release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was quickly tempered by media reports that Bergdahl had abandoned his post and that his father made comments opposing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bergdahl’s father tweeted, “I am still working to free all Guantanamo prisoners. God will repay for the death of every Afghan child.”

Does that include those children killed while being used as human shields by the Taliban? Where is Bergdahl’s concern for women who die from “honor killings” and for girls who are denied an education?

The up-front cost of this “prisoner exchange” is the release of five terrorists from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay. Future costs could be much higher. Not to mention the fact that news of the controversial exchange knocked reports on the VA fiasco right off the front pages. Was this partly the administration’s intent?

Official U.S. policy has been “we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Except when we do. Sgt. Bergdahl, America’s only prisoner of war, was reportedly in failing health after more than five years in captivity and negotiations to secure his release were urgent and laborious, but freeing five dangerous men to secure the release of one soldier could very well put this country in increased danger.

What should we have done? It depends upon the outcome one is seeking. If rescuing one man is paramount, then any price is worth it. But if that rescue leads to the deaths of others, as is likely, then the price is too high.

In a joint statement following President Obama’s announcement of the terrorists’ release, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. McKeon (R-Calif.), and Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke of “... consequences for the rest of our forces and all Americans. Our terrorist adversaries now have a strong incentive to capture Americans.”

The five terrorists include two senior militant commanders alleged to have been implicated in murdering thousands of Shiites in Afghanistan. The five have been shipped to Qatar. President Obama says the Qatari government has assured him they will be subjected to security restrictions and won’t be a threat to the U.S.

How does he know this? Even in a “moderate” Muslim state like Qatar, Islamic blood is thicker than the “water” of infidels.

The prisoner release is another in a growing list of executive actions that bypass Congress, which has imposed strict statutory restrictions on moving detainees out of Gitmo.

These include a determination by the secretary of defense that any transfers are in America’s national security interests; that procedures are in place to substantially mitigate any future threats by the terrorists and most importantly, that Congress receives notification 30 days before any planned release. Congress received no such notice. Once again, President Obama has circumvented the law.

The track record of previous terrorist prisoners released from Gitmo is not a reason for confidence. According to a recent U.S. intelligence report, 603 prisoners have been freed from Guantanamo; 100 of them are confirmed to have returned to terrorism, and another 74 former inmates are suspected of returning to terrorism.

Wayne Simmons, a former CIA operative, told Foxnews.com what he observed during several visits to Gitmo: “These guys come in wounded, they take care of their wounds. No limbs? We give them brand new prostheses. Turn them loose, guy goes home, picks up arms and uses that leg to help kill us.”

Brigadier General Jay Hood, who once ran Gitmo, confirmed this scenario in testimony before a House panel in 2005. About a detainee named Abdullah Mehsud, Gen. Hood said, “He came to us without one leg ... we fitted him with a prosthetic leg before he left while in U.S. custody.” The cost was reported to be between $50,000 and $75,000. After his release, Pakistani officials say he directed an attack in Pakistan that killed 31 people. Two months later he blew himself up to avoid capture.

Radical Islamists are serious about killing in pursuit of their extreme objectives. Releasing their soldiers can only embolden them to take more Americans hostage. The deal for Sgt. Bergdahl may well turn out to have been a bargain with the devil.

1. An American soldier who reportedly went AWOL - yet possibly received a 'promotion' while in 'captivity?

2. A physical assessment of the soldier via TV pictures?

3. Congressmen and women possibly supporting the 'leaving an American behind?

4. The recognition of 'mental' stress during combat - and how it is handled.

The video of the Taliban being warmly received by their families was nauseating for many. I would guess that the parents of innocents that were killed in the 12 years of war with the US and their allies will find that the 'yellow balloons' welcoming our POW's nauseating as well. There are two sides to every war. Hopefully, our country will always be honored in countries where we have lost sons and daughters as we are in the D day memorial.

Our intelligence has too often been ignored due to 'political' concerns. Since the beginning of the written record, warriors have been counseled to KNOW YOUR ENEMEY! We need to heed this advice!! It is not the American way to continue to 'not know' the humans that share this planet - because they are DIFFERENT from us.

I am glad this American has been brought home. After WWII, the war criminals were dealt with - not locked up in some 'neutral' place for justice to be handed down. No matter what this Commander In Chief did in this situation, his political critics were ready with their opposition.

The Army will do its job; deal with the facts regarding this soldier; and dispense Army justice. In the meantime, it is great media 'stuff'.

[quote]Question: How can a soldier receive a promotion while in captivity if he is considered a 'traitor'?

How can his 'mental health' be diagnosed when he hasn't been seen by American medical personnel?[/quote]

Neither of your questions that are designed to distract, address the fact that the trade was unwise and illegal. Nor do they address the fact that more people will die in the future because of our liar in chief's actions. 5 Taliban commanders for one Marine? It's almost like our leader is trying to help the Taliban. WOW!!!

[quote]Thank you for sharing your opinion. Do you have an answer to my distractions'?[/quote]

I could care less about your irrelevant questions/distractions. My thoughts are with the 6 or more Marines that died looking for this guy and the people that will die or be captured to be used as trade bait as a result of this fiasco. You are aware that at least one of the Marines that died searching for him was black? Do you think their families care about this guys promotion? Or whether he left a note as his fellow Marines have claimed or not as some politicians claim? Would you care if one of the Marines that died was your son? Will you still defend this leader of yours if a close family member of yours is captured or killed by one of these released commanders in the future? Where are your answers?

on facts. . . .not the ranting of an emotional Marine? The Sgt. was a member of the Army branch of the service. Are Marines part of the 'Army'? We'll soon have the FACTS - but at least our soldiers listed as POW will have the hope of being returned to their country. No American is irrelevant. It is miscreants like you that make the Republicans look like 'exclusive' misfits. They are not - and most are capable of having a discussion and can agree to disagree. Thanks for posting!!

An interesting addition:

"We really don't know why he left the base and under what circumstances," Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said Monday. Details of that will come out, he said, adding that the Army has never classified Bergdahl as a deserter and has scheduled the soldier for a promotion next month. But the details around a soldier being taken captive "don't matter," he said, when it comes to the military's response.

"We're going to do all we can to get you back,"

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

[quote]It is miscreants like you that make the Republicans look like 'exclusive' misfits. They are not - and most are capable of having a discussion and can agree to disagree. Thanks for posting!![/quote]

When did I say that I was a republican? Do you always make up your own "facts" to suit your position? (No wonder you love Obama so much) I said I'd take the word of his platoon members (plural) over politicians. Where is your "leader" on the Marine being held in Mexico, Andrew Tahmooressi? Or on Meriam Ibrahim? And you're very welcome. I shall continue to post as I see fit.

As for your addition of course our brave men and women will attempt to get back any of ours that was taken. That is why at least 6 of ours is dead now. They tried to get this one back. Even though he left under questionable circumstances. And even though the Obama administration knew where this one was they'd rather give back 5 Taliban commanders than to try to rescue him. Yes lives may have been lost in the attempt but lives will be lost because of the incompetence of Obama in the future.

[quote]I have seen their ideas and I am ashamed to even be american. The horror of the self-righteous arrogance that they thrive in. It is all revolting.[/quote]

I too enjoy you and your spinning of the facts. Will you accept your own source as proof that Bergdahl said this? As for not calling me a republican, who said the following?

[quote]It is miscreants like you that make the Republicans look like 'exclusive' misfits. [/quote]

I will admit that you are very good at weasel wording so that you can say what you want and then pretend you didn't say it. LOL Must be a common trait among Obama worshipers.

As for whose word to take about what happened, I'll still lean toward the people that were there. This administration has not proven themselves to be trustworthy. And high ranking military personnel that don't toe the line find themselves in trouble. Does the name Stanley A. McChrystal ring a bell?

[quote]I would hate for one of my grandchildren to be left in another country because of my political views. The Army will deal with the Sgt. ON OUR SOIL.[/quote]

Or his/her (grandchild) political beliefs. WE DON'T LEAVE OUR POW'S BEHIND. He was listed as a POW for 5 years. He received a PROMOTION during his captivity. Is this a common practice for those who are 'traitors'?

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

Yes this is the guy. You know the one that OBAMA forced to resign because his beliefs were not subservient to the Big O's. I would have had no problem with a rescue mission. And that is what McChrystal is defending. His (he was the commander at he time) decision to send out personnel some of which did not return, to attempt a rescue of this guy. I've yet to hear him say that he agreed with the trade. So, how do YOU justify releasing 5 Taliban commanders to kill more Americans? How do YOU justify setting a president that will lead to more Americans (maybe even civilians) being captured for trade bait? How do YOU justify leaving others behind? How do YOU justify breaking the law to make this deal? It'll be interesting to see how you avoid answering!!!!

[QUOTE]So, how do YOU justify releasing 5 Taliban commanders to kill more Americans? How do YOU justify setting a president that will lead to more Americans (maybe even civilians) being captured for trade bait? How do YOU justify leaving others behind? How do YOU justify breaking the law to make this deal? It'll be interesting to see how you avoid answering!!!! [/QUOTE]

You miss one cogent point. There is nothing to justify until we have the FACTS - justification based on assumptions and emotion are not valid. If this individual (the guy you identify as 'him') was the 'leader' at the time of Bergdahl's disappearance, where was his leadership in getting him help when he wasn't acting as a TEAM member?

How do you answer the question, (I assume you have served in the military) - if not - my bad - how does one receive a promotion while captive if he is considered a deserter by the military?

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

Tell this lady how you don't believe the account of those that were there.

You surely can comprehend the above as facts? As for how someone is promoted while in captivity, my pay grade wasn't high enough to answer. Nor do I see how it affects the above facts. As typical liberals do you ignore or deny facts and ask irrelevant questions to avoid facing the truth. Even if you could somehow justify the actions of this person on that night that he left his post the above facts are still facts!

This article is certainly understandable and is shared as a personal account of a tragedy experienced by this family. However ?__ this articale does not state facts - but assumptions until the Army investigates this situation.

On Monday, Shannon Allen, wife of disabled Afghanistan veteran Sgt. 1st Class Mark Allen, took to social media to voice her personal concerns on the idea that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is a hero. Sgt 1st Class Mark Allen was severely wounded while supposedly searching for Bergdahl during a firefight in Kabul, when sniper fire pierced the armor on his helmet and passed through the frontal lobe of his brain.

As more information continues to develop surrounding #Bergdahlgate, one thing is for certain: there are many questions left to be answered. When all is said and done, we can only hope the right judgement call is made.

Thank you for sharing. We all hope that the right judgement call is made ?__ based on facts.

Has your research found the exact law that has been broken?

What prisoners of war have been left in an area that we are withdrawing from in 2014?

Thanks for sharing your research.

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

Although this has been an entertaining exchange and you definitely lived up to your billing, LOL I'll pass on sharing any more research with you. You seem to be either unwilling or unable to comprehend anything beyond liberal media talking points. Bless your heart.

Tu no puedes comprende ingles o espa??ol. Reading words and understanding the meaning of the words escapes you. Read more than Fox News. You'll see that all media and thinking persons are looking for facts - to validate their suspicions. Even the participants on Megans program wanted 'answers' from their team member. Why are you afraid to know the FACTS in this situation? Don't try to answer - bless your heart. You couldn't even accept the fact that the Sgt. is in the Army - not the Marines. Stick to assumptions and 'talking points' - the facts just may upset you. Now those who support your 'facts' really are 'fellow travelers' - Fred Garvin. Man - you're really in classy company. Billing? Please - no one cares or even reads what I write.

[quote]I too enjoy you and your spinning of the facts. Will you accept your own source as proof that Bergdahl said this? As for not calling me a republican, who said the following?[/quote]

A soldier with this attitude while in combat presents a danger to himself and his colleagues. Why wasn't this dealt with BEFORE he allegedly 'walked off'? This is a 'mental condition', that should not be ignored - but we ignore or don't treat mental conditions at home and in the military. Another topic - but certainly relevant to today.

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

Obama is a case book narcissist. He believes that he answers to no one. He lies, cheats and breaks any law that he needs to to achieve his purpose. No other president in history could have done what he's done and not been impeached.

Without passing any judgment on the pres., we've now given our enemies an incentive to capture not only more members of the armed forces, but civilians as well. No longer can we say "we don't negotiate with terrorists." Worse, yet, is the impact upon the families of such prisoners. We now have a policy approved at the highest level of exchanging jailed terrorists for prisoners. How would you feel if you had a loved one in captivity whom the U. S. would not negotiate with the captors to free? Particularly in cases where the prisoner had not specifically demonstrated opposing the war effort while serving his or her country.

Looks like politics will be entering into future captive-release decisions.

Barry has planned an announcement proclaiming the war is at an end. Why? This will give him the authority to release ALL in Gitmo, so he will say. This is his endgame.

Barry will also ask that he and his family be part of this release. However, Mullah Omar has declared his daughters would then have to conform to strict sharia law. Moochele has said she will declare her own jihad on her husband if he follows through.

Even in light of her threat, Barry is still weighing his options. His initial comment is below.

not just politically correct. There was an Army General on the news this morning who stated that he would not want any solder to feel that he would be left in enemy hands because of his/her political beliefs. The Army will deal, hopefully, with the facts in this case. . .not the emotion of OBAMA haters.

<cite>Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of his constitutional rights, we are weakening our own claim to them. Eisenhower</cite>

This moron has no clue about how to be a statesman or to ever ask that the buck stop at his desk. But, when he is drowning in one crisis he definitely knows how to create distractions. All this Bergdahl stuff has taken the VA scandals right out of the conversation and off the front pages. And true to form, the Community Organizer's most ardent sycophants are staunchly defending his incompetence....